MLB Player News

The Cubs gave Smyly a legitimate shot to claim a rotation spot, but that ought to be done now; the bullpen is likely where he’s more valuable and he could wind up being a terrific source of holds this year.

The 29-year-old hurler was jettisoned off of the Brewers’ 40-man roster earlier in the week, but he passed through waivers unclaimed and will continue to function as extra bullpen depth for the team at the Triple-A level.

With Jonah Heim hitting the paternity list on Saturday, Huff will get another opportunity to show what he can do at the big-league level. Huff has appeared in one game but has not had a plate appearance for the Rangers this season. He’s a career .262/.314/.462 hitter with 10 homers and 20 RBI in 210 plate appearances at the game’s highest level.

The hard-hitting 28-year-old backstop will be away from the team for a few days to welcome a new addition to his family. Sam Huff was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock and will help share the load behind the plate while Heim is away.

Murphy also noted that the 29-year-old hurler is expected to get on a mound soon as he continues his recovery from a pair of stress fractures in his back. While Trevor Megill has been outstanding in his stead, Williams is one of the premiere closers in all of baseball and should jump right back into the Brewers’ ninth inning role as soon as he’s healthy enough to do so.

Gray made a rehab start at Double-A Harrisburg on Friday where he allowed just one run over four innings of work — throwing 41 pitches (27 strikes) in the session. He’ll go five innings his next time out and then will get to around 90 pitches or six innings in his final rehab start before he’s cleared to return. The 26-year-old hurler has been shelved for nearly two months now due to a flexor strain in his elbow.

Martin was claimed off waivers last month from the Brewers and has yet to make an appearance for Baltimore. The procedural move opens up a spot on the club’s 40-man roster moving forward.

Turner continued running at full-speed on Saturday and could potentially be activated for Sunday’s series finale against the Orioles. It’s possible they’ll elect to wait until Monday’s series opener against the Padres, but it certainly appears that the 30-year-old superstar shortstop isn’t far off from returning for Philadelphia.

Kepler managed to stay in Friday’s extra-inning marathon against the Athletics, eventually delivering the game-winning hit, after being hit by a pitch in the elbow earlier in the contest. He’ll benefit from Saturday’s rainout by getting some extra time to rest and recover. It’s possible he’ll be ready for the opening contest of Sunday’s doubleheader at Target Field.

Marte hasn’t appeared in the majors since making 25 relief appearances for the Angels from 2021 to 2023. The 28-year-old righty will replace an injured Adam Cimber (shoulder) in Los Angeles’ bullpen. He’s pitched well this season for Triple-A Salt Lake with a 2.61 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 20/9 K/BB ratio across 20 2/3 innings (20 appearances).

No word yet on how long Cimber will be sidelined. The 33-year-old righty has posted a calamitous 7.03 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 19/14 K/BB ratio across 24 1/3 innings (28 appearances) this season in his Angels debut.